This is an exciting week for the team working on the EA SPORTS Complex, and not because we are finally shipping something and get to take a few weeks off .. quite the opposite, this is where the work really begins.
The great opportunity here is for EA SPORTS to interact with a much broader audience than just the typical sports gaming fan. In Home players can meet up and jump into a game without a complex installation or matchup process. Often the social aspects of enjoying professional sports are overlooked by non-sports fans. Many football loyalists tell you the pre-game tailgate party is almost as fun as the game itself. Getting together over a hamburger and razing the opposing fans as they walk by adds to the gameday experience. Then, sitting in the stands and groaning together as the team's star drops the ball for the third straight time becomes a shared experience. Home embodies that same social dynamic.
We want people to do more than just visit our space. We want them to come back. We want users to tell us what they like and don't like. To make sure you don't miss some of the key components, here are a few things to look for:
Racing - this is the first time users get a chance to drive cars around in Home. This game can be played along-side 3 other players. Although you can't bump into the other cars, you will see their ghosts drive around the course. HINT - taking sharp turns bleeds off speed; taking long clean lines around corners helps you maintain your speed. EA SPORTS Racing is a simple racing game that rewards players who learn how to drive well.
Racing Boosts - This early version of the game automatically gives you 4 boosts, 2 allow you to accelerate quickly for a short burst, and 2 let you accelerate for a longer period of time but not as aggressively. Learn how to use these now while they are easy to get, later you are going to have to earn them.
Racing Rewards - Everyone who plays EA SPORTS Racing will get 2 T-shirt rewards (one male design and one female design.)
Poker - The new version of poker lets users see the status of a game by looking at a virtual screen that appears over each table. Now you can get an idea when the table will open up again. The rules on the tables are standard No-limit Hold'em rules which can be found on the Texas Hold'em wiki
Poker Chat - Chat is available to players on the poker tables. The triangle button launches the chat window while playing poker. BEWARE - closing the chat window using the circle button can also fold your cards if you are betting. Click the left analog stick to resize the chat window.
Poker Rewards - Everyone who completes an EA SPORTS Texas Hold'em game gets 2 T-shirt rewards (one male design and one female design.)
Here are a few detail shots to show off additional features like the accurate representation of chips and bet stacks.
Sony has been a great partner on this project, and we are looking forward to evolving the space and developing the next round of interactive content. So now that you have heard what we are thinking how bout you tell us what you think. Add your comments below or jump on our Forum and start talking about how EA SPORTS can use Home to make gaming on the PS3 more fun.